Mr. Healy was speaking to Ocean FM News ahead of the Sligo AGM in Ballisodare last night.

He also defended the €1.9m settlement paid out to the former General Secretary of the organisation Pat Smith saying it was damage limitation and avoided what could have otherwise been a very lengthy legal battle.

He said the decision was not only taken on legal advice but also because IFA members wanted the organisation to settle.

He says while members have their own opinions on what happened, the IFA remains strong and he insists it has not affected the membership of the organisation.

He outlined in detail to Ocean FM News the reasons for the settlement: